“This Disaster Risk Management Act will allow us to have an articulated and organized policy to work on reducing risk in this country,” said Santos.

The Disaster Risk Management Act asks governors and mayors to help in identifying areas potentially susceptible to extreme weather and natural disasters.

The enactment of the act also included the formation of the National Council for Risk Management, a group dedicated to creating effective disaster management policies. Three new national committees will focus on risk awareness, risk reduction and disaster management.

Colombia’s head of state stressed his government’s responsibility in preventing disasters.

“We must prepare ourselves, we must work to determine where the greatest risks of disaster are and focus on prevention. We know it’s not an easy task and requires time, logistical capacity and specialized people to help us be prepared,” said Santos.